2016 Industry Awards and Commendations

Peter Friel (Steve Noy accepted on his behalf) –2016Commendation For over a year Peter has been working tirelessly to build the Airport Reporting Inspection System (ARINS) for airside reporting officers. This cloud based system allows for live reporting not only of wildlife interactions but other duties of which an ARO may fulfil on a daily basis. Peter has developed the system to ensure it is user friendly and compatible with both android and apple based tablets for seamless transition into the field. After implementing the system at multiple airports across the country, Peter has assisted in improving not only the quality of reports produced but the efficiency of the operations teams. This increased efficiency is allowing for more accurate information to be collected and stored without double handling of paperwork and easier reporting on return of operations for wildlife interactions for example.

453 Squadron, East Sale (Catriona Dowling Accepted on their behalf) – 2016 CommendationThe staff of 453 Squadron have not only embraced, but also helped shape the real-time live wildlife hazard reporting processes essential for improved safety. Through a process of active engagement with the wildlife management officer, they have been able to refine the volume and types of reports required by ATC to maintain adequate wildlife/ aircraft separation, whilst minimising unnecessary radio traffic. This process has even been adopted by the pilots of the resident squadrons, so that they are now reporting potential wildlife conflicts.

BAC and Qantas (Jackson Ring and Matthew Hill) - 2016 Industry AwardBrisbane Airport Corporation and Qantas have devoted a large amount of time and resources to research the wasp habits associated with blocked pitot tubes. The results of this research will lay the foundation for efforts to reduce aviation incidents related to previously unstudied topic. It also exemplifies the integrated approach that AAWHG strives for in reducing wildlife related aviation incidents. The research is still ongoing, but is likely to provide evidence for recommended practices in the future.

Dave Selby has been the Wildlife Coordinator at Brisbane Airport’s Airside Operations Centre for over three years. During his tenure in this position he has role modelled how to successfully engage both aviation and non-aviation related stakeholders in an effort to increase safety and awareness on wildlife hazard management issues. One example is his recent success with the Queensland Racing Pigeon Federation. After a significant strike event occurred at Brisbane Airport earlier this year, Dave attended a meeting of the Racing Pigeon Federation to raise awareness of this critical safety issue. As a result, the Queensland Racing Pigeon Federation is now considering the adoption of his recommendations in an effort to reduce their impact on aviation. In this way he has positively contributed to the aviation industry by showing us what successful industry engagement looks like: At all times he is approachable and enjoyable to work with and presents a positive outlook on what can at times be a very frustrating task. Additional to this is his general willingness to search out answers and apply a practical risk-based approach to wildlife hazard management. As a former pilot and an airside operations officer he has been able to apply unique insight into the practical aspects of this profession. Perhaps also it is his humility that is worth mentioning. Dave would just say that this is just part of his job. Congratulations to Dave Selby, this year’s recipient of the AAWHG Major Industry Award.

2014The AAWHG Executive would like to congratulate Paul Lamont from Cairns Airport as the 2014 winner.

Paul was recognised for his achievements in managing the wildlife hazard management program at Cairns Airport. This airport was among the first to introduce a wildlife hazard condition report in response to the local flying fox populations who were threatened from, and were a hazard to, aircraft operations.

Bruce was recognised for his management and direction of the Base Wildlife Management Program which is now viewed within Defence as the "Future Standard" for aviation wildlife management. In addition, Bruce was recognised for his assistance in the development of Australia's first working avian radar system.